Acne Rosacea
By: Dr. Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH
What Is Acne Rosacea? Acne rosacea is a chronic skin disease that afflicts approximately 14 million Americans. It typically develops later in life between the ages of 30-60. It is sometimes found in children, but this is very rare. Acne rosacea is a condition that affects both the skin and the eyes. It causes red areas on the parts of the face that normally blush like the forehead, cheeks, and the lower half of the nose. For patients with rosacea, the tiny blood vessels in affected areas become abnormally visible. This causes the characteristic redness associated with rosacea. Pimples are also a common symptom of rosacea. Acne rosacea is different from the common form of acne that is often found in adolescence. Unlike common acne, acne rosacea is not caused by hormonal imbalances, nor does it typically produce blemishes such as blackheads and whiteheads. What Are The Symptoms of Acne Rosacea? Acne rosacea causes irritation and inflammation in the areas of the face where blushing normally occurs. It is characterized by enlarged blood vessels in these areas, and does not lessen over time. Left untreated, acne rosacea can result in a disfiguring condition of the nose known as rhinophyma, which literally means “growth of the nose.” Rhinophyma causes the nose to become bulbous and reddened, and a crusty layer of skin often forms on top of it as well.
Ocular rosacea is a term used to describe acne rosacea in or near the eyes. Chronic conjunctivitis, inflammation of the iris, chronic bacterial infection of the eyelids, and dysfunction of the glands near the eyes are all symptoms of ocular rosacea. Many people who have acne rosacea also struggle with watery eyes, blurred vision, and chronic itchy eyes.
One of the most significant symptoms of rosacea is psychological in nature: one’s self-image. The obvious redness of the nose and face often causes embarrassment for rosacea patients that further complicates the condition. In fact, recent studies by the National Rosacea Society discovered that 70% of patients admitted rosacea had lowered their confidence. 41% reported it had caused them to isolate or avoid social situations. In addition, the common assumption that a reddened nose indicates severe alcoholism causes even further shame for many who are victims of rosacea.
Who Gets Acne Rosacea? Both genders are susceptible to acne rosacea, with women having a slightly higher incidence. It is found in all races and ethnic groups, but it is more common to fair-skinned peoples. What Affects Acne Rosacea? Acne rosacea tends to be found more often in individuals who blush easily. Emotionally sensitive people who react passionately to such triggers as fear, worry, and shame may be more likely to develop acne rosacea. Weather conditions such as temperature extremes, high winds, or humidity changes can also promote rosacea. Other possible factors may be spicy foods, hot beverages, and the use of alcohol.
What Causes Acne Rosacea? Researchers are still not sure as to the exact cause of acne rosacea. One theory is that a mite that lives in hair follicles may play a role in the development of rosacea. Others believe that the bacteria Heliobactor pylori may be responsible for acne rosacea in some cases. Certain medications that dilate the blood vessels are also suspected.
Can Acne Rosacea Be Treated? Rosacea cannot be cured but the symptoms can often be treated using both oral and topical medicines. Natural skin care products like AloeCalm™ and Hydra-Tone™ seem to help reduce the redness and inflammation associated with the condition. Laser treatments have also been employed to reduce the visibility of the characteristic red skin associated acne rosacea.
What Should Be Avoided? If you have rosacea, there are several steps you can take to minimize its effects: ” Don’t smoke ” Stay out of the sun (20 minutes per day is good for Vitamin D production) ” Avoid extreme heat and cold ” Don’t drink alcohol ” Avoid spicy foods ” Be gentle with the skin on your face ” Stay away from harsh facial soaps
Want To Learn More? If you or a loved one has acne rosacea, you may want to contact the National Rosacea Society for the most current information regarding this condition. The National Rosacea Society is a registered non profit organization whose mission is to improve the lives of people with rosacea by raising awareness, providing public health information, and supporting research on this widespread but little-known disorder.
About the Author
Loretta Lanphier, ND, CN, HHP, CH is a Doctor of Naturopath (traditional), Clinical Nutritionist, Holistic Health Practitioner and Clinical Herbalist in The Woodlands, TX and Founder / CEO of Oasis Advanced Wellness. Under her leadership, OAW is known and respected as one of the leading companies in providing safe, clean and hi-tech natural health and wellness solutions for whole body wellness. Because of the need for high-end natural and organic skin care products, Dr. Lanphier has developed Oasis Serene Botanicals™, an all-natural skin care line which promotes natural health and anti-aging solutions for the skin. All Oasis Serene Botanicals™ and Oasis Advanced Wellness developed products are free of toxic ingredients, heavy metals, irradiation, excipients and preservatives and are certified organic, organic, wild crafted or of the highest purity and quality that we can obtain while still providing the utmost degree of active ingredients. All products are laboratory tested to ensure that you are getting exactly what the label states. We will never knowingly compromise health in order to provide a cheaper product or to get a product out quickly. Lanphier is Editor and contributor to the worldwide Free E-newsletter Advanced Health & Wellness. Please visit us at Oasis Advanced Wellness, Acne Resource Center, Allergy-Asthma-Sinus Relief Resource Center and www.oasisserene.com
